Lori Smith

Lori Smith works primarily with women in their mid-20s to mid-40s, supporting clients through life adjustments and transitions, anxiety, relationship concerns, and parenting challenges. She is clear about who she does not accept for therapy - she does not see men or couples, and she does not provide services for employee assistance program referrals, substance abuse, depression, psychosis, or other more serious issues.

Lori describes her approach with a hammock metaphor made of four supporting poles - Body, Mind, Emotions, and Spirit - and she helps strengthen each pole so clients can better carry the weights life places in their hammocks. For the Body pole she works with breathing practices to slow heart rate, recommends exercise to reduce cortisol and boost endorphins, and emphasizes sleep habits that support mood and focus while attending to medical history and medications when relevant.

For the Mind pole she helps clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts that increase stress, offers bibliotherapy and communication skills, and supports career development when it relates to presenting concerns. With the Emotions pole she guides clients in expressing feelings and understanding how emotions shape thinking, feeling, and perception, while also noting the value of a positive peer group and community connection. The Spirit pole provides space to explore spiritual growth and renewal, especially when body, mind, and emotions are depleted.

Based in Virginia, Lori brings 27 years of experience to her practice and holds a state professional counseling credential as a licensed counselor in Virginia. Her style is professional and grounded, offering clear boundaries about referral limits while focusing on practical supports that strengthen each area of a client’s life.